If you regularly dry full loads and have the space, a separate heat-pump tumble dryer is ideal for dedicated drying. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. An appropriate spin cycle remains useful when laundry is then dried on the airer.
A dedicated drying solution can be a good choice for regular laundry when installing a separate appliance is possible. Capacity, energy consumption per cycle and programme duration then become important criteria. UFC-Que Choisir specifically assesses programme duration and electricity consumption in its tumble dryer testing protocol.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying within the same footprint. However, you need to allow for a lower drying capacity than washing capacity and longer cycles, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A washing machine with a suitable spin cycle can reduce the amount of moisture left in laundry before it is hung out to dry. However, ADEME states that air-drying laundry is a highly moisture-emitting activity for indoor air.
Consider it if: you have room for a dedicated appliance and regularly dry large loads.
Good to know: UFC-Que Choisir states that heat-pump models are more energy-efficient than conventional tumble dryers, although their cycles may take longer.
Consider it if: you only have one appliance space and saving room is more important than processing large loads in one go.
Good to know: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so some laundry may need to be removed before drying.
Consider it if: you do not want to add a tumble dryer and can organise where to hang your laundry.
Good to know: spin efficiency affects the moisture level of the load, but does not eliminate the moisture released into your home while air-drying.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy comparison | Compare appliances in the same category. Check the energy label, weighted consumption per 100 cycles and the capacity of the reference programme. | I want to compare data calculated on the same basis, rather than relying on a class letter or an isolated figure. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately in kg. Also check the maximum load specified for each programme. | I want to run a wash-and-dry cycle without discovering too late that a full load cannot be dried. |
| Duration and organisation | Check the duration for the programme and load you intend to use. Establish whether transferring laundry between two appliances is practical for your routine. | Depending on my laundry routine, I may prioritise an automatic sequence or the ability to wash and dry separate loads. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and required clearances. A vented tumble dryer requires an outside opening or a vent hose. | I need the appliance to fit the available space and must check the installation requirements before choosing a type of tumble dryer. |
Drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. An oversized load means removing some laundry or running several drying cycles, which changes how you organise your washing.
Compare both capacities in kg and plan an automatic cycle according to the drying limit, not the maximum washing load.
An energy class or isolated consumption figure does not provide a meaningful comparison when the appliance category, programme, capacity or unit differs.
Look up the exact reference and its energy label, then compare the figures provided for appliances in the same category and the stated programme.
A vented model requires an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation hose. Without this option, it may not be suitable for your home.
Check the type of tumble dryer, the installation location and the instructions in the manual. Without an external connection, compare condenser models instead, including heat-pump models.
ADEME identifies air-drying laundry as a highly moisture-emitting activity for indoor air, even though it avoids the electricity consumption of a tumble dryer.
Choose a suitable spin cycle or tumble dryer according to your laundry routine, and take account of the ventilation conditions in your home.
In France, Bosch offers heat-pump tumble dryers, particularly with 8 and 9 kg capacities, which can be compared according to your usual laundry volume.
Miele offers 7, 8 and 9 kg heat-pump tumble dryers for households comparing capacity with laundry-care features.
LG offers heat-pump and condenser tumble dryers, with 8 and 9 kg models to assess according to the capacity, depth and features you need.
Joybuy options for households looking for either a two-in-one washer-dryer or a separate heat-pump tumble dryer.
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Worth considering when one appliance needs to wash and dry, with a drying load limited to 6 kg.
Declared capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Declared dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. The wash-and-dry programme is stated as 7 hours 32 minutes and 308 kWh/100 cycles.
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A two-in-one option for a home with a single appliance space and moderate drying loads.
Declared capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Declared dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. A full washing load must be adjusted before drying.
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Worth considering for combining washing and drying in one appliance, while respecting the 6 kg drying limit.
Declared capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The model features 27 programmes, low-temperature drying and automatic dosing.
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Worth considering for dedicated drying of regular laundry loads if a separate appliance can be installed.
Declared drying capacity: 8 kg. The model features cotton, synthetics, wool and delicate programmes, as well as a delay-start function.
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A separate drying option for households handling large loads and with enough space available.
Declared drying capacity: 10 kg. The model features three drying levels, special programmes, a refresh function and an LED display.
Yes. The French Ministry for the Economy states that the energy label is compulsory for new washing machines and tumble dryers, including online. Check the manufacturer, exact reference and category-specific information before comparing products.
No. Start by comparing appliances in the same category and using the stated calculation basis. European regulations specify, among other things, weighted consumption per 100 cycles, but the reference programmes and capacities must also match your comparison.
It matters because it is lower than the washing capacity. To run a wash-and-dry cycle without handling the laundry, the load placed in the drum must comply with the drying mode’s capacity. Otherwise, you need to reduce the load or remove some laundry.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented model requires an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation hose. Condenser models do not require this external connection, but you should still check the installation instructions for your chosen model.
An effective spin cycle reduces the moisture remaining in laundry before drying and can make organising your washing easier. It does not make indoor air-drying moisture-free: ADEME identifies this activity as highly moisture-emitting for indoor air.